The election for the 7th Legislative Council of Hong Kong will commence on 19 December 2021. 153 candidates are contesting 90 seats across the geographical, functional, and Election Committee constituencies. Friends of the Earth (HK) surveyed the candidates via email to better understand their stance on climate change, low-carbon transport, circular economy, and green finance. Only 16 candidates responded to the survey. Friends of the Earth (HK) is disappointed by the indifference shown by most legislative candidates towards environmental protection.

The government approved of the electricity tariff increase yesterday, by 7% for HK Electric and 5.8% for CLP, due to rising international fuel prices. Friends of the Earth (HK) has the recommendations in response to the tariff adjustment and on the long-term development of the electricity market

As The 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, UK is coming to a close, the world is still seeking consensus on ways to achieve net zero emission. Friends of the Earth (HK) has collaborated with World Benchmarking Alliance to co-host the “Carbon Neutrality Forum” yesterday and invited Mr. Joseph Chan, JP, Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the Hong Kong SAR government, Chair of World Benchmarking Alliance, Mr. Paul Druckman and the Head of Green and Sustainable Finance from the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Ms. Grace Hui as key speakers at the forum and to analyze the latest developments in green finance at a global and local level, also to discuss the performance of Asian oil and gas companies’ low carbon transition.

The government updates its climate strategy with “Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050” today. Friends of the Earth (HK) praises the Environment Bureau for adopting our recommendation to set up the Office of Climate Change and Carbon Neutrality for coordinating climate actions and decarbonisation strategy. We also welcome the move to strengthen the midterm climate target of a 50% carbon reduction by 2035 from 2005 levels.

The 2021 Policy Address is released today. It is good to see a greater focus on climate and waste policies after last year’s performance. Friends of the Earth (HK) praises the government for adopting our recommendation to set up an office for coordinating climate actions and decarbonisation strategy.

Elion Foundation and Friends of the Earth (HK) co-hosted the Hong Kong Green Finance Parallel Session, “Green Finance to Drive a Low-Carbon Economy”, today as part of the three-day Eighth Kubuqi International Desert Forum (KIDF) held in September 27 to 29, 2021 at the Kubuqi International Desert Forum Center, Inner Mongolia, China.

The Board of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) is hosting a consultation on regulations of Environmental, Social & Governance (“ESG”) rating and data providers.

Sixteen years—after 16 years, Hong Kong will make polluters pay for their fair share as the Legislative Council passes the Waste Disposal (Charging for Municipal Solid Waste) (Amendment) Bill 2018. Friends of the Earth (HK) most certainly welcomes the passing of this bill and Hong Kong taking the first steps to join the global cities.

The Environmental Protection Department launched the consultation on the “Regulation of Disposable Plastic Tableware” today. The government proposes to regulate the use of single-use plastic tableware including cutleries, cups, and food containers for dine-in and takeaway services at 2025 earliest.

Hong Kong’s waste crisis is well-known. Despite the government pouring resources into the popular Big Waster and the overarching Food Wise campaign, the city’s waste generation is still on a steady rising trend.